In 1999 the Nevada State Legislature adopted SB 391, which allowed for the creation and protection of rural preservation neighborhoods. These provisions were adopted in response to the rapid development occurring in the Las Vegas Valley and the changing dynamics of existing rural neighborhoods. The legislation allows for the protection of rural neighborhoods (NRS 278.250(2)(k)) and authorizes the governing body to adopt zoning regulations and restrictions to maintain the character of rural neighborhoods, provide adequate buffer areas and screening, and ensure the orderly transition of land uses (NRS 278.261).

In response to this State legislation and the concerns of local residents related to protecting the character of rural neighborhoods, the City of Henderson designated Rural Preservation Areas and established standards for their protection. These standards address development and transitional densities, street design, the location of non-residential uses, and notification requirements.

Designation of RNP Areas
The Rural Neighborhood Preservation (RNP) designation protects designated rural areas from non-residential and more intense commercial development in their vicinity. At the request of property owners, the designation of additional parcels as Rural Neighborhood Preservation Areas has occurred since the creation of the RNP land use/zoning district. Future RNP designations may occur following annexation of parcels currently in Clark County to the City of Henderson. Existing rural neighborhoods in these areas, which meet the intent of the State legislation and local ordinance, can be designated and protected as RNP areas.

Those areas currently approved as Rural Neighborhood Preservation (RNP) Areas are denoted on four maps illustrating zoning and land use designations in the four primary RNP areas:

Local Ordinances
In order to initially establish the Rural Neighborhood Preservation (RNP) Areas the following applications to modify existing plans and codes were approved by the City Council on September 18, 2001:

Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA-01-003802)

The Comprehensive Plan Amendment provides for two land use districts: RNP-1 (0-1 units per gross acre) and RNP-2 (1-2 units per gross acre). Further, the amendment establishes the basis for preserving the rural character of designated neighborhoods within the City of Henderson.

Zone Change (ZCO-01-004717 )

The Zone Change provides for the establishment of the Rural Neighborhood Overlay District. The approved Zone Change application allowed for designated parcels in rural neighborhood areas to be rezoned to include the Rural Neighborhood Overlay in addition to the parcel's existing zoning classification, which allows for development at one to two units per acre.

The zone change changes provided for by the Zoning Ordinance Amendment are illustrated by the four RNP Area maps.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA-03-00)The approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment allows for changes to be made to the existing Development Code to include the new Rural Neighborhood Overlay district. The new text to be included in the Development Code also provides for increased notification requirements and rural neighborhood protection standards to address non-residential uses.

Master Streets and Highways Plan AmendmentThe amendment to the Master Streets and Highways Plan provides for revised street sections for 100' and 80' rights-of-way within designated Rural Neighborhood Preservation Areas. The sections allow for equestrian trails to be located on one or both sides, depending on the street width. The revised Master Streets and Highways Plan also allows for reduced lighting, requiring streetlights only at intersections and curves to promote public safety.